"I am considering running again."
Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services
Arctic Bay (Aug 28/00) - A week after pleading guilty to sexual assault, Levi Barnabas resigned as MLA for the Quttiktuq region and is now considering running in the riding's by-election.
Levi Barnabas |
"It's too much for me at this time," said Barnabas from his constituency office in Arctic Bay on Aug 23. "I'm going to resign."
A day later, Barnabas said he was considering stepping into the by-election race.
"I've been talking to my constituency and they want me to run again," said Barnabas. "It's too early at this time, but I am considering running again."
O'Brien said Barnabas was pressed by members of the legislative assembly to resign after his guilty plea in court two weeks ago.
"Members asked Levi to reconsider his future," said O'Brien.
Barnabas was given a 12-month conditional sentence with 240 hours of community service. He must also make a $1,500 donation to the women's shelter and comply with an order not to go into local bars for six months.
Women's groups want resignation
Simona Arnatsiaq, co-ordinator of women's programs for the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, said she expected a zero tolerance position from the GN.
"We are very happy with the resignation."
Arnatsiaq said women had been organizing petitions in various communities to formally request Barnabas' expulsion from the assembly.
In Cape Dorset, 40 women signed a petition which read: "The purpose of this petition is to require the removal of Levi Barnabas as MLA. By keeping (Barnabas) in office, the Government of Nunavut is showing disrespect and is acting not in accordance to stopping violence against women."
Also, in a letter addressed to Peter Kattuk, minister responsible for the status of women, Arnatsiaq wrote: "As our minister,.I trust that you will represent the voice of women in this debate."
Arnatsiaq was not surprised when she heard Barnabas was reconsidering running again.
"We knew it would happen," said Arnatsiaq. "We hope two or three women will run, but the electorate will decide."
"There are other politicians with similar records in office, so what's stopping him?" asked Arnatsiaq.
Quttiktuq region not represented
If Barnabas had not voluntarily resigned, O'Brien would have called a sitting of the Legislative Assembly this week for the MLAs to debate and voted on a course of action.
According to O'Brien, the Quttiktuq region must be enumerated before a by-election can be held.
"Forty-five days have to pass before a writ is issued for a by-election," said O'Brien.
Barnabas said he wants to have a formal meeting with his constituency before making a final decision.
